Good news! Many people with a low ejection fraction (EF) have improved it. 

Better heart failure management can lead to a better EF. When you manage heart failure carefully and follow your treatment plan, you might have fewer symptoms and feel better. You could also see an improvement or even a recovery of your heart’s EF.  

People with improved or recovered EF usually have fewer hospitalizations and better overall results.

View a printable version of this information (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Your health care professional can help you create a realistic plan for you. Ask them for their recommendations. Accept encouragement and support from family members or friends who can help you reach your goals.

Before you decide on your next steps, ask your health care professional these questions:

What is my EF?

Why is my EF low? How does my EF affect my health?

Which lifestyle changes or medications are likely to help me? Is there anything I should avoid?

If I track my heart failure symptoms, how might that help improve my results?

When should I plan to retest my EF?

Find out if your heart failure is linked to an underlying cause. Many risk factors are associated with heart failure, including:

When you manage those conditions, you might be able to improve your heart failure and your EF.

Know your plan and follow it carefully. If you have been prescribed medications for heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure or another related cause, taking those medications may also improve your EF. Over time, your heart might be able to recover, strengthen and perform better.

Physical activity helps most people with heart failure. Some patients who follow an exercise plan see improvements in their EF. Research shows that being active can help people living with heart failure by:

Reducing symptoms

Improving mood 

Increasing the heart’s ability to pump blood 

If your heart failure is stable and you have your health care professional’s permission, do what moves you.

Some exercise tips:  

Your weight is important. Tracking your weight can give you clues about how your heart is managing its load.

Track and respond to weight changes. You might notice patterns that help you respond to changes before they get worse.

Maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy body mass index makes it easier for your heart and blood vessels to circulate blood and manage fluid levels.

Although results can vary, the efforts you put into improving your EF can have additional positive results. You might discover that you feel better and have fewer symptoms. The investment you are making to help yourself recover is your best path for taking control of your health.

Connect with others on our Support Network where people encourage each other daily to achieve their best health.

View our sheet: HF and Your Ejection Fraction Explained (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)